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Objectives Reflective writing has emerged as a solution to declining empathy during clinical training. However, the role for reflective writing has not been studied in a surgical setting. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to assess receptivity to a reflective-writing intervention among third-year medical students on their surgical clerkship. Study Design The reflective-writing intervention was a 1-hour, peer-facilitated writing workshop. This study employed a pre–post-intervention design. Subjects were surveyed on their experience 4 weeks before participation in the intervention and immediately afterwards. Surveys assessed student receptivity to reflective writing as well as self-perceived empathy, writing habits, and communication behaviors using a Likert-response scale. Quantitative responses were analyzed using paired t tests and linear regression. Qualitative responses were analyzed using an iterative consensus model. Setting Yale-New Haven hospital, a tertiary care academic center. Participants All medical students of Yale School of Medicine, rotating on their surgical clerkship during a 9-month period (74 in total) were eligible. In all, 25 students completed this study. Results The proportion of students desiring more opportunities for reflective writing increased from 32%-64%. The proportion of students receptive to a mandatory writing workshop increased from 16%-40%. These differences were both significant (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001). In all, 88% of students also reported new insight as a result of the workshop. In total, 39% of students reported a more positive impression of the surgical profession after participation. Conclusion Overall, the workshop was well-received by students and improved student attitudes toward reflective writing and the surgical profession. Larger studies are required to validate the effect of this workshop on objective empathy measures. This study demonstrates how reflective writing can be incorporated into a presurgical curriculum.

Introduction The American Board of Surgery endoscopy requirements for general surgery training are evolving. In 2006, the Residency Review Committee in Surgery increased the total number of endoscopy cases required before completion of general surgery residency training. This requirement is set to change further, given the new Flexible Endoscopic Curriculum that would be a requirement for applicants graduating surgical training during or after the 2017 to 2018 academic year. Given these changes, our goal was to evaluate the confidence of senior surgical residents performing flexible endoscopy. Methods A survey was developed and sent to general surgery residents nationally, querying them regarding demographics and program-specific characteristics; additionally they were asked to rate their confidence level in performing flexible upper endoscopy and colonoscopy on a Likert scale of 1 to 5. We then compared those residents who indicated confidence (Likert scale 4-5) to those who did not (Likert scale 1-3). For the purpose of this study, only senior (postgraduate year 4 and 5) general surgery residents were assessed. Results We received 1176 responses from senior surgical residents: 56% of these were postgraduate year 5 residents, 65% male, 68% from University Programs, and 56% from programs associated with a Veteran’s Affairs Hospital; 33% were from programs in the Northeast, 29% in the South, 24% in the Midwest, and 14% in the West; 75% were going on to additional fellowship training after the completion of residency; 42% indicated that they would go into academic practice and 32% into private practice; 66.7% reported confidence performing upper endoscopy and 52.7% reported confidence performing colonoscopy. Male gender, overall operative volume, and graduating from a medium-sized program or program in the South were associated with increased confidence performing flexible endoscopy. Conclusions A large percentage of senior residents do not report confidence in performing flexible endoscopy. Although increasing the number of cases required for graduation has likely helped improve the training of residents in endoscopy, additional improvements in training are required. The Flexible Endoscopic Curriculum helps standardize the curriculum and demonstrate that the graduating resident has the fundamental knowledge and skills required in the performance of endoscopy. Simulation training and dedicated endoscopic rotations during the course of residency training could help improve endoscopy training and proficiency for future graduating residents.

Introduction General surgical training has changed significantly over the past decade with work-hour restrictions, increasing use of minimally invasive techniques, and increasing specialization, leading to decreased resident exposure to open operative techniques. Furthermore, the presence of vascular surgery fellows and the advent of dedicated vascular surgery residencies have had the potential to diminish further the vascular surgery experience of general surgery residents. Given these changes, this study was undertaken to assess the confidence of graduating general surgery residents in performing certain key open vascular maneuvers, approaches that might be required in a general surgery practice, and to determine factors associated with variations in reported confidence. Methods A survey was developed and sent to graduating chief surgical residents nationally. We queried them regarding demographics and program characteristics and asked them to rate their confidence (rated 1-5 on a Likert scale) in performing a vascular anastomosis and 4 specific vascular control maneuvers. We then compared those who indicated confidence with those who did not. Results We received 653 responses from fifth-year (postgraduate year 5) surgical residents: 69% men, 67.5% from university programs, and 51% from programs affiliated with a Veterans Affairs hospital; additionally, 22% were from small programs, 34% from medium programs, and 44% from large programs. Although 70% of respondents indicated confidence performing a vascular anastomosis, less than 25% indicated confidence performing each of the 4 specified vascular maneuvers. Age, program size, future fellowship plans, surgical volume, estimated percentage of cases performed laparoscopically, and geographic location were all associated with variations in reported confidence. Conclusions Graduating general surgical residents indicated a significant lack of confidence in performing specific open vascular surgical maneuvers. This decreased confidence varied regionally and was associated with both demographic and program-specific factors.

Background Given the recent changes in general surgical training, this study was undertaken to assess the confidence of graduating general surgery residents in performing open operations and to determine factors that are associated with increased confidence. Methods A survey was sent to the 5th-year general surgery residents in the Northeast. Respondents were queried regarding demographics, program characteristics and asked to rate their confidence in performing open operations. We compared those who indicated confidence with those who did not. Results We received 232 responses: 74% male, 70% from university programs, and 50% from programs affiliated with a Veterans Affairs Hospital. Fifty-two percent expressed confidence in their ability to practice independently after residency. Operative confidence varied with sex, type of training program, affiliation to a Veterans Affairs Hospital, and surgical volume. Conclusions Graduating surgical residents indicated a significant lack of confidence in performing a variety of open surgical procedures. Analyzing and addressing this confidence deficit merits further study.

We identified 520 diagnostic imaging tests (MRI, CT, ECHO) performed in 205 patients (79 female 126 male) (age 20-94, mean 63.9) being followed at Yale- New Haven hospital for progression in size of their thoracic aortas. Estimated growth rates did not differ significantly across imaging modalities. The average maximal size of the thoracic aorta was 5.3 cm (range 3.5-10.0). Mean maximal size was 5.3 cm in the 326 imaging studies without dissections. Mean size at time of dissection (N = 22) was 6.2 cm, and a time of rupture (N = 7), 6.5 cm. Survival at 3 and 5 years was 66% and 45%, respectively. Subjects having aortic dissection had lower survival (58% 3 year; 15% 5 year) than the non-dissected cohort (70% 3 year; 60% 5 year). Mean estimated growth rate on 53 patients followed seri- ally for aortic expansion was 0.1 cm/yr. Stepwise multivari- ate risk factor analysis indicated that large (> = 6.0 cm) aneurysms grew significantly more rapidly (p < 0.02), that aneurysms located in the ascending aorta or arch grew more slowly than aneurysms located in the descending thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aorta (p < 0.04), and that aneurysms grew more rapidly among male patients than among females (p < 0.02). We conclude that (1) the overall growth rate in thoracic aorta aneurysms is 0.1 crrdyr. (2) Large aneurysms grow more rapidly than smaller ones. (3) Aneurysms grow more slowly in the ascending thoracic aorta or arch than on other locations of the thoracic aorta. (4) Aneurysms appear to grow somewhat more rapidly among male patients than among females. (5) One-half of aortic dissections and rup- tures occur at sizes

Despite the increasing incidence of cocaine abuse and its known vasoactive properties, the vascular consequences of cocaine use are incompletely defined. Cocaine-related myocardial ischemia has been described and is thought to occur secondary to vasospasm. Infrequently reported cases of cocaine-related visceral ischemia have been attributed to vasoconstriction. We report here the first described case of serial infarctions in distinct vascular beds, myocardial and mesenteric. The case report and review of the literature support the concept of a diffuse, severe, and potentially lethal vasoconstrictive effect of cocaine.

Recientes publicaciones de series unicas han confirmado la eficacia de la endarterectomia carotidea (EAC) efectuada en un contexto de urgencia, aunque con una mortalidad y morbilidad perioperatorias altas. Determinamos los resultados de la EAC efectuada con caracter de urgencia en hospitales docentes y no docentes, y analizamos si factores relacionados con el paciente o el hospital afectaban al resultado. Se revisaron las historias clinicas de los pacientes sometidos a EAC en todos los hospitales no federales del estado de Connecticut entre 1992 y 2002, y se compararon los pacientes sintomaticos que se presentaron en un contexto urgente con los tratados electivamente. Para determinar el efecto de los factores de riesgo del paciente sobre la mortalidad, ictus y complicaciones cardiacas perioperatorios se uso una regresion logistica multivariable. En pacientes sometidos a EAC urgente (n = 764, 6,3%) se observo una mayor mortalidad perioperatoria (2,0% comparado con 0,3%, p odds ratio [OR] = 4,6, p = 0,01). El ictus perioperatorio se asocio con insuficiencia renal (OR = 5,3, p = 0,04). Las complicaciones cardiacas perioperatorias se asociaron con diabetes (OR = 2,6, p = 0,03) y la realizacion del procedimiento en hospitales con una capacidad reducida de camas (OR = 5,0, p

Intravenous lobular capillary hemangioma is a rare benign lesion that can mimic other intravascular lesions encountered by vascular surgeons, such as angiosarcoma, papillary endothelial hyperplasia, and deep vein thrombus. These lesions have been described originating in the veins of the head, neck, and upper extremities. To our knowledge, there are no reported cases of intravenous capillary hemangioma arising from within a pelvic vein. We report a case of an elderly woman found to have an extensive intravenous lobular capillary hemangioma originating in the internal iliac vein. She was successfully treated with resection, including the tumor and normal iliac vein. Diagnosis of these lesions can be difficult. We describe the utility of duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance venography in aiding preoperative diagnosis and surgical planning. The diagnosis is ultimately confirmed with histology that demonstrates multiple capillaries lined with flattened endothelial cells grouped in a lobular fashion admixed with fibromyxoid stroma containing collagenous fibers, spindle cells, and mitotic figures. Preoperative work-up should include a duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance venogram. Treatment should be with resection and specimen processing to rule-out malignant vascular tumors.

Aunque se considera que los aneurismas saculares de la aorta abdominal (AAA) son mas propensos a la rotura que los fusiformes, las tentativas para validar esta observacion han sido limitadas debido a la imposibilidad de definir cuantitativamente la morfologia tridimensional de la aorta. Un modelo cuantitativo de su estructura geometrica podria distinguir entre clases de morfologias y, en ultimo termino, ser util para identificar los aneurismas con riesgo de rotura. Se generaron datos tridimensionales de la superficie luminal de AAA a partir de imagenes tomograficas computarizadas (TC) de 15 pacientes con aneurismas de pequeno tamano (≤ 5,5 cm diametro transverso maximo). Se utilizo una linea central para producir una clasificacion de la morfologia basada en la proyeccion ortografica de la linea central alrededor de su eje central. Se cuantificaron la extension y direccion de las desviaciones individuales como areas en el plano de proyeccion para crear una clasificacion de la morfologia. Para verificar las diferentes clases de forma se uso un analisis de agrupacion jerarquica. Se calculo un indice de tortuosidad y se clasifico en diferentes clases desde mimima a maxima. La existencia de trombomural podria modificar el indice de tortuosidad o su clasificacion morfologica. En diversos pacientes con TC seriadas, el indice de tortuosidad cambio con el tiempo y se correlaciono con la rotura. En tres de ellos; en los que su AAA evoluciono hacia la rotura, la tortuosidad media aumento un 29% mientras que el diametro transverso medio aumento un 3,3%. Los AAA en expansion desarrollan morfologias especificas y cuantificables que pueden expresarse como un indice de tortuosidad cuantitativa que puede ser congruente con su historia natural. Las caracteristicas tridimensionales de este modelo morfologico proporcionan informacion complementaria a la simple medicion del diametro transverso maximo que puede resultar clinicamente adecuado. Se requieren estudios de mayor tamano para correlacionar el indice de tortuosidad con los modelos de elemento finito y la capacidad para predecir la rotura del aneurisma.

Alors que les anevrysmes de l'aorte abdominale (AAA) sacciformes sont consideres comme davantage enclins a la rupture que les anevrysmes fusiformes, les tentatives pour valider cette observation ont ete limitees par l'incapacite de definir quantitativement la forme tridimensionnelle d'une aorte. Un modele quantitatif tridimensionnel de forme pourrait permettre de distinguer les differentes formes et etre utile pour identifier les anevrysmes a risque de rupture. Les donnees tridimensionnelles d'AAA ont ete generees a partir d'images tomodensitometriques (TDM) chez 15 malades ayant des petits anevrysmes (≤ 5,5 cm de diametre transversal maximum). La ligne centrale a ete utilisee pour construire une classification morphologique basee sur la projection orthogonale de la ligne centrale suivant son axe. L'etendue et la direction des deviations individuelles ont ete quantifiees comme des zones du plan de projection pour creer une classification morphologique. Une analyse en groupes hierarchiques a ete utilisee pour verifier les differentes classes de forme. Un index de tortuosite a ete calcule en fonction de la projection de la ligne centrale. La forme de l'AAA a ete calculee comme un index de tortuosite et classee en differentes classes de tortuosite tridimensionnelle minime ou importante. La presence d'un thrombus pouvait modifier l'index de tortuosite ou la classification morphologique de l'anevrysme. Chez plusieurs malades ayant des TDM repetees, l'index de tortuosite a change au cours du temps et a ete correle a la rupture. Chez trois AAA qui se sont rompus, la tortuosite moyenne a augmente de 29 % alors que le diametre transversal moyen augmentait de 3,3 %. Les AAA en expansion developpent des formes specifiques quantifiables qui peuvent etre exprimees sous la forme d'un index quantitatif de tortuosite qui peut etre interessant pour etudier leur histoire naturelle. Les caracteristiques tridimensionnelles de ce modele de forme fournissent un element nouveau et sans doute interessant cliniquement par rapport au diametre maximum transversal. Des etudes plus larges sont necessaires pour correler l'index de tortuosite avec les modeles proposes et la capacite de prevenir la rupture d'anevrysme.

Background The deleterious effects of perioperative malnutrition on recovery after general surgery are established. Since the effects of perioperative malnutrition on recovery after vascular surgery are not known, we examined the effects of nutritional status, and risk factors predictive of malnutrition, on outcome after vascular surgery. Methods The records of all open index vascular cases (abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA] repair, carotid endarterectomy [CEA], lower extremity bypass) performed at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut between July 2004 and June 2005 were reviewed. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included infection and nutritional risk index (NRI) scores. Results Sixty-eight open vascular cases were performed during the study period. Nutritional depletion developed in 55% of patients and was more likely in patients undergoing AAA (85%) or bypass (77%) than CEA (30%; P = .0005). Patients who developed malnutrition had similar mortality as patients who did not develop postoperative malnutrition (6.1% vs. 3.7%; P = .68); however, malnourished patients had higher rates of postoperative infection (24.2% vs. 3.7%; P = .03). Chronic renal failure was the only patient-associated risk factor predictive of postoperative nutritional depletion (odds ratio 5.9, confidence interval 1.0 to 33.6; P = .04). Conclusions Patients undergoing major open vascular surgery have high rates of postoperative malnutrition, with patients undergoing AAA repair having the highest rates of postoperative malnutrition and infection. Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing vascular surgery are associated with increased risk for postoperative malnutrition and may be a group to target for perioperative risk factor modification and nutritional supplementation.

Objective Patient, hospital, and surgeon factors affect outcome after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The nature and importance of hospital-specific factors, especially those unrelated to procedural volume, that affect post-CEA outcome remains poorly defined. We used a statewide database to determine the impact of several hospital-associated factors on outcome after CEA. Methods Hospital factors were established by telephone survey and validated by repeated survey as well as by the Connecticut Hospital Association, Connecticut state, and individual hospital internet Websites. All CEA in Connecticut non-federal hospitals between 1991 and 2002 were examined, including perioperative mortality, stroke, and cardiac complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze data. Results There were 14,288 CEAs performed with 0.5% mortality, 1.3% stroke, and 2.4% cardiac complications. The only hospital factor independently predictive of perioperative mortality was few number of hospital beds (less than 132 beds; odds ratio (OR) 2.78, P = 0.032). Factors predictive of perioperative stroke included few number of beds (OR 1.96, P = 0.001) and absence of a critical pathway (OR 1.39, P = 0.038). Factors predictive of perioperative cardiac complications included few number of beds (OR 3.01, P = 0.003), absence of a critical pathway (OR 1.50, P = 0.001), and absence of dedicated vascular recovery beds (OR 1.35, P = 0.03). Combined mortality, stroke, or cardiac complications were independently predicted by few hospital beds (OR 4.58, P = 0.002), absence of a critical pathway (OR 1.81, P ≤ 0.0001), or inability to perform cardiac angiography (OR 3.92, P = 0.024). Conclusions Hospital-based factors, such as greater bed capacity, use of critical pathways, ability to perform cardiac angiography, or presence of a dedicated vascular recovery unit predict reduced perioperative mortality, stroke and cardiac complications from CEA. These results suggest that hospital-associated factors do impact surgical outcome and that surgeons need to optimize these factors, extrinsic to the patient and surgeon, to provide maximal quality of care.

Numerous studies have compared autogenous versus synthetic grafts for infrainguinal bypasses. Synthetic grafts are associated with shorter operating times, comparable reimbursement, and despite inferior patency rates, remain in frequent use. Therefore, this study was undertaken in an effort to characterize, from a national perspective, the practice patterns and the drivers of practice variation in the use of synthetic grafts for infrainguinal bypass. Two data sets were obtained: 1) Medicare billings of infrainguinal bypasses in 49 states, years 1995 through 1997 (number of procedures, 254,677). Procedures were defined by nine CPT billing codes. 2) Hospitals over 150 beds in six states (CA, CO, CT, IA, MN, MS) were asked for volume statistics on the same CPT codes. Data were received from 27 institutions, comprising 1,063 procedures. Variations in graft use were analyzed by hospital type (teaching versus nonteaching) and correlated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and smoking. Nationwide, 41% of infrainguinal bypasses in 1997 were performed using synthetic grafts. Interstate synthetic conduit use ranged from 27% to 80%. These differences were similar for bypasses to popliteal or infrapopliteal vessels. Admission to a teaching hospital was associated with a lower use of synthetic grafts (21% vs 51%, odds ratio 0.26, p

These guidelines represent an update of those published in 1996 and are intended for physicians who are involved in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. They provide a framework for considering cardiac risk of noncardiac surgery in a variety of patient and surgical situations. The overriding theme of these guidelines is that preoperative intervention is rarely necessary simply to lower the risk of surgery unless such intervention is indicated irrespective of the preoperative context. The purpose of preoperative evaluation is not simply to give medical clearance but rather to perform an evaluation of the patient’s current medical status; make recommendations concerning the evaluation, management, and risk of cardiac problems over the entire perioperative period; and provide a clinical risk profile that the patient, primary physician, anesthesiologist, and surgeon can use in making treatment decisions that may influence short- and long-term cardiac outcomes. The goal of the consultation is to identify the most appropriate testing and treatment strategies to optimize care of the patient, provide assessment of both short- and long-term cardiac risk, and avoid unnecessary testing in this era of cost containment. ### A. Development of Guidelines These guidelines are based on an update of a Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Best Evidence search of the English literature from 1995 through 2000, a review of selected journals, and the expert opinions of 12 committee members representing various disciplines of cardiovascular care, including general cardiology, interventional cardiology, noninvasive testing, vascular medicine, vascular surgery, anesthesiology, and arrhythmia management. As a result of these searches, more than 400 relevant new articles were identified. In addition, draft guidelines were submitted for critical review and amendment to the executive officers representing the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). A large proportion of the data used to develop these guidelines are …

Background General surgical training has changed significantly over the last decade with work hour restrictions, increasing subspecialization, the expanding use of minimally invasive techniques, and nonoperative management for solid organ trauma. Given these changes, this study was undertaken to assess the confidence of graduating general surgery residents in performing open surgical operations and to determine factors associated with increased confidence. Methods A survey was developed and sent to general surgery residents nationally. We queried them regarding demographics and program characteristics, asked them to rate their confidence (rated 1–5 on a Likert scale) in performing open surgical procedures and compared those who indicated confidence with those who did not. Results We received 653 responses from the fifth year (postgraduate year 5) surgical residents: 69% male, 68% from university programs, and 51% from programs affiliated with a Veterans Affairs hospital; 22% from small programs, 34% from medium programs, and 44% from large programs. Anticipated postresidency operative confidence was 72%. More than 25% of residents reported a lack of confidence in performing eight of the 13 operations they were queried about. Training at a university program, a large program, dedicated research years, future fellowship plans, and training at a program that performed a large percentage of operations laparoscopically was associated with decreased confidence in performing a number of open surgical procedures. Increased surgical volume was associated with increased operative confidence. Confidence in performing open surgery also varied regionally. Conclusions Graduating surgical residents indicated a significant lack of confidence in performing a variety of open surgical procedures. This decreased confidence was associated with age, operative volume as well as type, and location of training program. Analyzing and addressing this confidence deficit merits further study.

Importance Because of the similarity in clinical outcomes after elective open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), cost may be an important factor in choosing a procedure. Objective To compare total and AAA-related use of health care services, costs, and cost-effectiveness between groups randomized to open or endovascular repair. Design, Setting, and Participants This unblinded randomized clinical trial enrolled 881 patients undergoing planned elective repair of AAA who were candidates for open and endovascular repair procedures. Patients were randomized from October 15, 2002, to April 15, 2008, at 42 Veterans Affairs medical centers. Follow-up was completed on October 15, 2011, and data were analyzed from April 15, 2013, to April 15, 2016, based on intention to treat. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean total and AAA-related health care cost per life-year and per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Results A total of 881 patients (876 men [99.4%]; 5 women [0.6%]; mean [SD] age, 70 [7.8] years) were included in the analysis. After a mean of 5.2 years of follow-up, mean life-years were 4.89 in the endovascular group and 4.84 in the open repair group ( P = .68), and mean QALYs were 3.72 in the endovascular group and 3.70 in the open repair group ( P = .82). Total mean health care costs did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (endovascular group, $142 745; open repair group, $153 533; difference, −$10 788; 95% CI, −$29 796 to $5825; P = .25). Costs related to AAA, including the initial repair, constituted nearly 40% of total costs and did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (endovascular group, $57 501; open repair group, $57 893; difference, −$393; 95% CI, −$12 071 to $7928; P = .94). Lower costs due to shorter hospitalization for initial endovascular repair were offset by increased costs from AAA-related secondary procedures and imaging studies. The probability of endovascular repair being less costly and more effective was 56.8% when effectiveness was measured in life-years and 55.4% when effectiveness was measured in QALYs for total costs and 31.3% and 34.3%, respectively, for AAA-related costs. Conclusions and Relevance In this multicenter randomized clinical trial with follow-up to 9 years, survival, quality of life, costs, and cost-effectiveness did not differ between elective open and endovascular repair of AAA. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00094575

Among patients presenting with critical lower extremity ischemia, it has been previously documented that white individuals are more likely to undergo revascularization than nonwhite individuals, with the disparity largely attributed to differences in resources and access to care.To investigate the amputation disparity between white and nonwhite patients with critical lower extremity ischemia in more detail using a larger data set than previous studies, with a focus on the role of confounding factors such as access and hospital resources.All hospital discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of adult patients with the primary diagnosis of critical lower extremity ischemia from 2002-2008 were examined in detail using multiple logistic regression (n = 774,399).Rates of amputation and revascularization for peripheral vascular disease across race/ethnicity.Controlling for confounding factors, black patients were found to have 1.77 times the odds of receiving an amputation compared with white patients (95% CI, 1.72-1.84; P .001). Further analysis revealed the black to white odds ratio paradoxically increased with increasing revascularization capacity of the presenting hospital, from a low of 1.43 (95% CI, 1.23-1.65) to a high of 1.98 (95% CI, 1.83-2.24). The amputation disparity also paradoxically increased for patients living in wealthier zip codes.Black patients have greater odds of undergoing amputation than white patients, even after correcting for an array of confounding parameters. Contrary to current beliefs that the disparity is mainly secondary to differences in access, this study found that the disparity was magnified in settings where resources were greatest. Whether the explanation lies primarily in patient-specific, physician-specific, or institutional-specific factors remains to be determined but is critical to better understanding our health care system and maintaining approaches that are consistently fair and equitable.

As the population ages, renal artery stenosis has been increasingly detected among patients with refractory hypertension and/or renal dysfunction. There is a need for a safe, simple, reliable, cost-effective method for detecting clinically significant renal artery stenoses in patients who will benefit from revascularization. The asymmetric renal response to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition in the setting of renal artery stenosis is the basis for several diagnostic techniques that screen patients with suspected renal artery stenoses to determine functional significance. Captopril renal scintigraphy is the most widely applied, however, ACE inhibition in conjunction with ultrasound and magnetic resonance are the focus of the most recent research. This review focuses primarily on the physiologic basis, indications, techniques and utility of captopril renal scintigraphy. Newer captopril imaging methods are introduced and consideration given to practical issues such as cost and risk/benefit analysis.

Background and Aims Feedback from faculty to medical students is vital in medical education. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and educational benefits of a program that incorporates seeking immediate feedback by students from their faculty during the third-year medical student core surgery clerkship. Methods Using a crossover model, students in the intervention group sought daily feedback from their faculty surgeons, whereas those in the nonfeedback comparison group did not seek feedback. These groups crossed over every 2 weeks for the 8 surgical weeks of their 12-week clerkship. Weekly surveys, using 7-point Likert scales, were used by the participating students and surgical faculty to measure outcomes. Results Among 53 potential students, 33 were enrolled. Students reported significantly more weekly immediate feedback sessions in the experimental group (1.21 vs 0.67, p = 0.002). Additionally, in the experimental group, there were significantly more occasions where faculty surgeons provided specific guidance as to how students could further their education (1.25 vs 0.83, p = 0.02). Although not significant, there were trends toward the experimental group reporting their faculty feedback to be more specific, sufficient, and including both more positive and negative feedback. There were no significant differences in student self-assessments or faculty assessments of knowledge and skills. Student participation was a major impediment to this study. Conclusions Despite the challenges, there appear to be real educational gains associated with immediate feedback. The results suggest that an immediate feedback program can be implemented and may enhance the dialog in the student-faculty relationship. Further research could focus on improving student participation and the quality of attending faculty feedback.

Purpose: Exertional thrombosis of the axillary and subclavian veins, also known as Paget-Schrotter syndrome, has been increasingly recognized in recent years as a cause of long-term morbidity. Recent aggressive approaches to treating Paget-Schrotter syndrome have suggested the association of early failure with residual subclavian vein stenosis. As a result, the use of endoluminal stents has been proposed as an aid to venous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for this disorder. Methods: This report outlines the therapy of 11 consecutive patients with Paget-Schrotter syndrome who were treated at our institution between October, 1992, and December, 1995. Stents were placed when percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was unsuccessful at achieving an adequate residual lumen. Results: Stents were placed after initial thrombolysis in six patients and in late follow-up in two patients. Of the six patients who had stents placed at initial thrombolysis, first-rib resection was eventually performed in four. In two patients first-rib resection was not performed, and stent fracture occurred in both. Late patency was achieved in the stents of six of the eight patients. Conclusions: Trials to evaluate stents as an adjunct to conventional therapy seem warranted. The use of stents alone without first-rib resection, however, appears to be associated with stent fracture. (J Vasc Surg 1996;24;974-83.)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cine phase-contrast MR volume flow measurements can identify patients with peripheral vascular disease.We performed MR measurements of volume blood flow in the popliteal artery of subjects at rest and after 5 min of plantar flexion exercise in 10 volunteers (mean age, 28 years old), in five patients suspected of having peripheral vascular disease (mean age, 58 years old), and in five other volunteers of a similar age (mean age, 57 years old).Volume blood flow at rest was similar in volunteers and in patients. Four patients who had abnormal ankle-brachial indexes had lower flow increases after exercise (2.6-fold) compared with the five older normal volunteers (4.8-fold; p.03, t test). These flow increases correlated well with ankle-brachial indexes: r = .97. The four patients with abnormal ankle-brachial indexes had monophasic resting waveforms, whereas all other subjects had triphasic waveforms.MR volume blood flow measurement may aid in evaluating peripheral vascular disease. Studies of larger patient groups will be necessary.

Detection of failing grafts with early reoperation is clearly associated with better long-term patency than intervention after graft failure. Duplex ultrasonography is more accurate than ankle:brachial index for graft surveillance, but is expensive, time consuming and technically demanding. Non-invasive estimation of graft impedance is now possible. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of non-invasive impedance in detecting the failing vein graft. Sixty-nine grafts in 51 patients were followed over a period of 12 months (April 1992–March 1993). High risk infrainguinal arterial vein bypass patients were entered into a graft surveillance program. Ankle:brachial index, non-invasive impedance and duplex ultrasonography were performed upon discharge, 1 month after surgery and then at 3-monthly intervals. Non-invasive impedance was measured using a mean Doppler flow signal obtained from both upper and lower ends of the graft paired with the mean pulse volume recording obtained from the distal arterial bed. The mean pulse volume recording and flow signals were digitized by discrete Fourier transform and an impedance index generated. An impedance index ⩾ 0.5 was considered abnormal. Impedance results were compared with ankle:brachial index, duplex ultrasonography and angiography when appropriate, and detected 28 failing and five failed grafts. Non-invasive impedance achieved a sensitivity of 91 % and a specificity of 94%. Similarly, duplex ultrasonography was 91% sensitive and 97% specific, while ankle:brachial index was 58% sensitive and 94% specific. Non-invasive impedance is a simple, inexpensive and effective test which detects the failing graft and is an appropriate first-line alternative to duplex ultrasonography for postoperative graft surveillance.

Background With the increase in minimally invasive approaches to surgical disease and nonoperative management for solid organ injury, the open operative experience of current surgical residents has decreased significantly. This deficit poses a potentially adverse impact on both surgical training and surgical care. Simulation technology, with the potential to foster the development of technical skills in a safe, nonclinical environment, could be used to remedy this problem. In this study, we systematically review the current status of simulation technology in the training of open surgical skills with the aim of clarifying its role and promise in the education of surgical residents. Methods A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed with keywords: “surgical simulation,” “skill,” “simulat,” “surgery,” “surgery training,” “validity,” “surgical trainer,” “technical skill,” “surgery teach,” “skill assessment,” and “operative skill.” The retrieved studies were screened, and additional studies identified by a manual search of the reference lists of included studies. Results Thirty-one studies were identified. Most studies used low fidelity bench models designed to train junior residents in more basic surgical skills. Six studies used complex open models to train senior residents in more advanced surgical techniques. “Boot camp” and workshops have been used by some authors for short periods of intense training in a specialized area, with good results. Conclusions Despite the increasing use of simulation in the technical training of surgical residents, few studies have focused on the use of simulation in the training of open surgical skills. This is particularly true with regard to skills required to competently perform technically challenging open maneuvers under urgent, life-threatening circumstances. In an era marked by a decline in open operative experience, there is a need for simulation-based studies that not only promote and evaluate the acquisition of such less commonly performed techniques but also determine the efficacy with which they can be transferred from a simulated environment to a patient in an operating room.

This review describes the current challenges associated with creating a successful surgical clerkship and the ways in which teacher-focused and curriculum-focused initiatives can address these challenges. The challenges are both systemic (reflected by changes in our health care system and training programs) and institutional (reflected by factors that affect curriculum design and faculty advancement). Particular attention is paid to residents as teachers, faculty as mentors, the educational impact of the operating room, and the role of simulation. Strategies for engaging students, residents, and faculty are explored. The premise and impact of a comprehensive simulation course on the clinical education of medical students is detailed. Emphasis is placed on the educational validity of accountability and engagement of both the teachers and the learners.

Purpose: The clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is unreliable. Contrast phlebography (CP) continues to be the gold standard, but it is invasive. Although duplex ultrasonography is an accurate, noninvasive alternative, it is expensive, technically demanding, and time-consuming. We postulated that light reflection rheography (LRR), a noninvasive method of assessing the quantity and rate of venous emptying, might be a reliable and inexpensive bedside approach to screening patients with clinically suspected DVT. Methods: With LRR, infrared light is beamed onto the skin, and the amount of backscattered rays are detected, which indirectly measures the amount of blood present in a volume of the epidermis beneath the LRR probe. Applied to the calf muscle pump, LRR can provide a noninvasive method of assessing blood volume changes in the sample area of skin, in response to venous hemodynamic changes in the lower limb. Results: Sixty-nine limbs in 61 patients undergoing CP for clinically suspected DVT over a period of 12 months also underwent LRR, either just before or within 24 hours of undergoing phlebography. The criteria for diagnosing DVT on CP were presence of filling defect or nonfilling of a venous segment. The result of LRR was considered positive for DVT if the rate of venous emptying was 0.35 or less. With these criteria a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 82.9 were obtained. This resulted in a positive predictive value of 79% and a negative predictive value of 97.1%. Conclusions: LRR is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive bedside test that takes 10 minutes to perform. It is highly sensitive with a high negative predictive value, detecting most cases of DVT, reliably ruling out DVT, and eliminating the need for more time-consuming and costly studies. Therefore it seems to be an appropriate screening test in patients with clinically suspected DVT. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:767-72.)

Whereas portal systemic shunts pose significant problems in many patients, they have long been thought to have particular risks when undertaken in older cirrhotic patients, with devastating encephalopathy reportedly common in older patients undergoing nonselective shunt surgery. With advances in anesthesia management and perioperative monitoring and the advent of selective shunting, we postulated that both the operative and long-term outcomes might be improved. In this context, we reviewed our recent experience with selective shunts [distal splenorenal (DSRS) and small-diameter interposition portacaval grafts (IPCG)] in patients over the age of 60 years with variceal bleeding. Nineteen consecutive cirrhotic patients over 60 years of age undergoing elective or urgent selective shunt surgery for variceal hemorrhage since 1986 were identified. Sixteen patients underwent DSRS, and 3 underwent IPCG. The etiologies of the cirrhosis were multiple, with 12 of 19 classified as Child's B or C disease. There were no operative deaths, and all but one patient returned home following the surgery. No patient has had recurrent bleeding or required further surgery for portal hypertension-related problems. Three of 19 developed encephalopathy, and 4 of 19 died of liver failure within 1 year of surgery. Of the 14 patients still alive and well (mean postoperative survival: 44 months, range: 4 to 74 months), all remain free of encephalopathy and live independently. Based on this experience, it would appear that one can anticipate satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes after selective shunt surgery in selected patients with variceal bleeding over the age of 60 years. These patients with portal hypertension should not, therefore, be rejected for shunt surgery based on age alone.

Purpose: Captopril renal scintigraphy (CRS) is a nuclear medicine technique for evaluating each kidney independently for changes in glomerular filtration rate and perfusion induced by captopril-associated alterations in vascular tone. This study was undertaken to determine the role of CRS in predicting the response to renal revascularization. Methods: The study group consisted of all patients who underwent preintervention CRS and arteriography, followed by renal revascularization performed between December 1987 and February 1992. After cessation of administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for 48 hours, a standard renogram was obtained, a 50 mg dose of captopril was given, and a second renogram was obtained. A captopril-induced change in the renogram was present when a normal pre-captopril renogram became abnormal after captopril administration. An abnormal baseline scan by definition cannot have a captopril-induced change. Blood pressure before revascularization was compared with blood pressure at 3 to 6 months after the procedure according to American Heart Association criteria for hypertension response. Results: Fifty patients received renal revascularization by operation (28 patients) or balloon angioplasty (22 patients). Preoperative captopril-induced changes were present in 29 of the 50 patients. Among the 29 patients with captopril-induced changes, hypertension was cured or improved in 26. When captopril-induced changes were not present, only one of 21 patients improved ( p Conclusion: On the basis of these data, CRS appears to reliably predict hypertension response to revascularization in patients with renovascular disease. (J VASC SURG 1993;17:280-7.)

We identified 47 patients with nonocclusive ischemia of the large intestine over a seven-year period. The mean age at presentation was 56.2 years, with a 2∶2∶1 male predominance. Associated medical illnesses were diabetes (17 percent), renal failure (5 percent), and hematologie disorders (5 percent). Six patients developed ischemic colitis after aortic surgery. The mean delay in diagnosis was 1.8 days (range, three hours to 23 days). The right colon was involved in 21 patients (46 percent). Overall, 15 of 16 patients were successfully treated non-operatively with bowel rest and antibiotics; one patient who was managed nonoperatively died. Among the 31 requiring intestinal resection, enteric continuity was reestablished in 14. Second-look laparotomy in eight patients revealed further ischemia in two (20 percent). Mortality in the operative group was 29 percent (9 of 31). No patient has developed recurrent ischemia (mean follow-up, 5.3 years). Ischemic colitis often occurs without an obvious predisposing event, may involve all segments of the large intestine, and frequently requires surgery. While its course may be self-limited, elderly and diabetic patients, as well as those developing ischemia following aortic surgery or hypotension, continue to have a poor prognosis.

We analyzed long-term results in 71 patients (45 men and 26 women) treated over 17 years for documented descending aortic dissection. Forty-nine patients were treated medically and 22, surgically. Actuarial survival was 65% at 1 year, 57% at 3 years, 50% at 5 years, and 28% at 10 years for the whole group. For the group treated medically, survival was 73%, 63%, 58%, and 25% at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively, and for the group treated surgically, 47%, 40%, and 28% at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively. Ten (20.4%) of the 49 medically treated patients died early (5 of rupture), and 14 (28.6%) died late (8 of dissection). Five medically treated patients crossed over to surgical management for complications of dissection. Among the surgically treated patients, 6 underwent standard graft replacement of the proximal descending aorta, 8 underwent the fenestration procedure (with a standardized retroperitoneal abdominal approach), and 4 underwent the thromboexclusion operation. Specific analysis of fenestration in 14 patients (including some with persistent descending aortic dissection after replacement of the ascending aorta for dissection) found it to be safe and effective. Actuarial survival after fenestration was 77%, 77%, and 53% at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively. Thromboexclusion was found effective, and postoperative studio confirmed thrombosis of the descending aorta with preservation of the lowest intercostal arteries. Fifteen of the 21 surviving medically treated patients agreed to return for follow-up imaging. Nine had thrombosis of the false lumen. An interesting radiographic finding was (hat 4 of the 15 restudied patients had a saccular aneurysm in the aorta at the level of the left subclavian artery. We recommend a complication-specific approach to the management of descending aortic dissection. Uncomplicated dissection is treated medically, whereas complicated dissection is treated surgically, with realized rupture treated by standard graft replacement, limb ischemia treated by fenestration, and enlargement or impending rupture treated by thromboexclusion.

Despite progress in our understanding and management of patients with portal hypertension, the long-term control of variceal bleeding remains a significant challenge. With further clarification of the underlying pathophysiology and technological advances that have facilitated progress in both diagnosis and treatment, the goal of safe, selective management of patients presenting with variceal hemorrhage is closer to realization. While a variety of non-operative therapies have been advocated, shunt surgery remains the most reliable and durable method of controlling the portal hypertension and the bleeding. More than 20 years ago, Warren and Zeppa introduced the concept of selective shunting to prevent recurrent variceal hemorrhage. The distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) was advocated as an approach that could selectively decompress the esophageal and gastric varices (resulting in effective bleeding control) while maintaining prograde portal flow (presumably leading to a lower incidence of post-shunt encephalopathy and hepatic failure). While the hemodynamic basis for the DSRS remains valid, its selectivity is neither uniform nor durable and this shunt is neither applicable nor effective in all patients bleeding from varices. It remains, however, appropriate and safe therapy in selected cirrhotic patients with variceal hemorrhage. With careful pretreatment assessment (in the context of the advances that have occurred in both operative and anesthetic management), the DSRS retains an important role in the management of patients with variceal bleeding.

Objectives: To provide insight into the causes and timing of AAA rupture after EVAR. Design: Original data regarding AAA ruptures following EVAR were collected from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Data were extracted systematically and patient and procedural characteristics were analyzed. Results: 270 patients with AAA ruptures after EVAR were identified. Causes of rupture included endoleaks (in 160: type IA 57, type IB 31, type II 23, type III 26, type IV 0, endotension 9, unspecified 14), graft migration 41, graft disconnection 11 and infection 6. Most of the described AAA ruptures occurred within 2-3 years after EVAR. Mean initial AAA diameter was relatively large (65 mm). No abnormalities were present in 41 patients during follow-up before rupture. Structural graft failure was described in 96 and a fatal course in 119 patients. Conclusions: Focus of surveillance on the first 2-3 years after EVAR may possibly reduce the AAA rupture rate, especially in patients with increased risk of early rupture (relatively large initial AAA diameter or presence of endoleak or graft migration). Better stent-graft durability and longevity is required to further reduce the AAA rupture risk after EVAR. Complete prevention will however remain challenging since AAA rupture may occur even if no predisposing abnormalities are present. (c) 2008 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

To improve the diagnosis and forecast the response to surgery or renal angioplasty in patients with hypertension and renal artery stenosis, we employed a simplified captopril renography protocol in conjunction with renal arteriography in 94 clinically selected patients. Fifty hypertensive patients (group 1) with a high clinical likelihood of renovascular hypertension were evaluated using a simplified captopril renography protocol and renal angiography on the arterial side. Criteria for normal captopril renal scintigrams were established based on this original cohort and validated in an additional 44 clinically comparable patients (group 2). Renal revascularization or nephrectomy was performed in 39 patients, and success of the procedure was determined in the 34 patients for whom 3-month follow-up was available. In the 94 patients, 44 (47%) had renal artery stenosis. Simplified captopril renography was 91% sensitive and 94% specific in identifying or excluding renal artery stenosis in the combined group, with no difference in the diagnostic utility between groups 1 and 2, or in those with renal insufficiency (n = 38) or those with bilateral disease (n = 17). Scintigraphic abnormalities induced by captopril were strongly associated with cure or improvement in blood pressure control following revascularization or nephrectomy (15 of 18), while the lack of captopril-induced changes was associated with failure of such intervention (13 of 16) (p = 0.0004). We conclude that simplified captopril renography is highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis in a clinically selected high-risk population and that the test accurately predicts the success or failure of therapeutic intervention.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis is a virulent disease of uncertain etiology observed most commonly in critically ill patients. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, the most commonly postulated theories regarding its pathogenesis are bile stasis, sepsis, and ischemia. The role of ischemia in this process, whose etiology is multifactorial, has been difficult to elucidate. Consequently, we report two patients who developed acute acalculous cholecystitis without apparent risk for the disease other than severe visceral atherosclerosis. Both patients had symptomatic mesenteric vascular disease requiring revascularization and developed fulminant acalculous cholecystitis temporally related to exacerbation of their visceral ischemia. These cases suggest that patients with visceral atherosclerosis may be at increased risk for acute acalculous cholecystitis, perhaps due to impaired mucosal resistance when other factors, such as bile statis and sepsis, are also present.

Objective Informed consent discussions for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair should reflect appropriate risks of the open or endovascular repair (EVAR), but few guidelines exist describing what surgeons should discuss. This study examines expert opinion regarding what constitutes informed consent. Methods Design. We conducted an anonymous, web-based, national survey of vascular surgeons. Associations between surgeon characteristics and opinions regarding informed consent were measured using bivariate statistics; multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate effects adjusted for covariates. Setting. Academic and private practice surgeons were surveyed. Subjects. United States members of the International Society for Vascular Surgery membership. Main Outcome Measure. Surgeons' self-reported opinions regarding the content of informed consent for AAA repair. Results A total of 199 surgeons completed the survey (response rate 51%). More than 90% of respondents reported that it was essential to discuss mortality risk for both procedures. However, only 60% and 30% of respondents reported that it was essential to discuss the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, respectively. Opinions varied by procedure regarding the risks of impotence (32% vs 62%; EVAR vs open repair), reintervention (78% vs 17%), and rupture during long-term follow-up (57% vs 17%). Younger and private practice surgeons were more likely to discuss complications compared with older surgeons and those in academic practice. Surgeons who perform predominantly EVAR were more likely to quote higher mortality rates for open repair (odds ration [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-6.4) and lower reintervention rates for EVAR (OR = 0.3, 95% CI=0.1-0.7) compared with other surgeons. Conclusions This is the first study of the practice of informed consent for AAA repair. The only risk that the vast majority of surgeons agreed should be included in informed consent for AAA repair was mortality. Significant variation exists regarding whether other complications should be discussed and what complication rates should be quoted. Surgeon characteristics may influence how risks are presented to patients. Further efforts are needed to develop guidelines to ensure consistent communication of appropriate risk during informed consent for AAA repair.

While saccular abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are thought to be more prone to rupture than fusiform aneurysms, attempts to validate this observation have been limited by the inability to quantitatively define the three-dimensional shape of an aorta. A quantitative three-dimensional shape model may distinguish among shape classes and ultimately be useful in identifying aneurysms at risk for rupture. Three-dimensional luminal surface data of AAAs were generated from computed tomographic (CT) images of 15 patients with small aneurysms (or =5.5 cm maximal transverse diameter). The centerline was used to construct a shape classification based upon the orthographic projection of the centerline about its central axis. The extent and direction of the individual deviations were quantified as areas on the plane of projection to create a shape classification. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to verify distinct shape classes. A tortuosity index was calculated as a function of the centerline projection. AAA shape was calculated as a tortuosity index and classified into distinct classes of minimal or increased three-dimensional tortuosity. Thrombus could change the tortuosity index or shape classification of an aneurysm. In several patients with serial CT scans, the tortuosity index changed over time and was correlated with rupture; in three AAAs that ruptured the mean tortuosity increased 29% whereas the mean transverse diameter increased 3.3%. Expanding AAAs develop specific, quantifiable shapes that can be expressed as a quantitative tortuosity index that may be relevant to their natural history. The three-dimensional features of this shape model provide a novel and potentially clinically relevant adjunct to maximal transverse diameter. Larger studies are needed to correlate the tortuosity index with finite element models and the ability to predict aneurysm rupture.

Objective Prior analysis in the Open vs Endovascular Repair Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Study (CSP #498) demonstrated that survival, quality of life, and total health care costs are not significantly different between the open and endovascular methods of repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The device is a major cost of this method of repair, and the objective of this study was to evaluate the costs of the device, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and total health care costs when different endograft systems are selected for the endovascular repair (EVR). Within each selected system, EVR costs are compared with open repair costs. Methods The study randomized 881 patients to open (n = 437) or EVR (n = 444). Device selection was recorded before randomization; therefore, open repair controls were matched to each device cohort. Data were excluded for two low-volume devices, implanted in only 13 individuals, leaving 423 control and 431 endovascular patients: 166 Zenith (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), 177 Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz), and 88 AneuRx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn). Mean device, hospitalization, and total health care costs from randomization to 2 years were compared. Health care utilization data were obtained from patients and national VA and Medicare data sources. VA costs were determined using methods previously developed by the VA Health Economics Resource Center. Non-VA costs were obtained from Medicare claims data and billing data from the patient's health care providers. Results Implant costs were 38% of initial hospitalization costs. Mean device (range, $13,600-$14,400), initial hospitalization (range, $34,800-$38,900), and total health care costs at 2 years in the endovascular (range, $72,400-$78,200) and open repair groups (range, $75,600-$82,100) were not significantly different among device systems. Differences between endovascular and corresponding open repair cohorts showed lower mean costs for EVR (range, $3200-$8300), but these were not statistically different. Conclusions The implant costs of endovascular aneurysm repair are substantial. When evaluating total health care system expenditures, there is large individual variability in costs, and there is no significant difference at 2 years among systems or when an individual system is compared with open repair.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have been demonstrated in randomized trials, but these studies excluded patients thought to be at higher risk for poor outcomes. We sought to determine whether patients undergoing CEA in Veteran Affairs Hospitals (VA) were at higher risk and had different outcomes, compared with patients in nonfederal hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: Records of all CEA performed in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System between October 1997 and September 2002 were examined and compared with CEA performed in all nonfederal Connecticut hospitals (CT). RESULTS: There were 7,089 CEAs performed (VA, 140; CT, 6,949). VA patients had increased comorbidity scores and symptomatic presentation (39% versus 14%; p < 0.0001). Perioperative mortality rates were 1.4% (VA) and 0.3% (CT) (p = 0.06). Perioperative stroke (VA, 1.4% versus CT, 0.9%; p = 0.15) and cardiac complication (VA, 2.9% versus CT, 2.1%; p = 0.54) rates were similar. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that perioperative mortality correlated with symptomatic presentation (odds ratio 11.7, p < 0.0001), but not performance, in a VA hospital (p = 0.23); patients treated at the VA were also not at higher risk for stroke (p = 0.94) or cardiac complications (p = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased severity of illness and symptomatic presentation, VA patients had similar perioperative outcomes compared with patients undergoing CEA in nonfederal hospitals in the state of Connecticut. These results suggest not only that patients undergoing vascular surgery at the VA may form a higher-risk population compared with patients receiving care in non-VA hospitals, but that these high-risk patients can undergo CEA safely.

We describe the successful use of hydration with sodium bicarbonate and N-acetylcholine to prevent contrast-induced nephrophathy in a patient with a kidney transplant undergoing endovascular native renal artery aneurysm exclusion. The implications for surveillance studies for endovascular procedures are discussed.

Table of ContentsI. IntroductionA. Development of GuidelinesB. General ApproachC. Preoperative Clinical EvaluationII. Further Preoperative Testing to Assess Coronary RiskA. Clinical MarkersB. Functional CapacityC. Surgery-Specific RiskIII. Management of Specific Preoperative Cardiovascular Condition

A technique for a separate sidearm graft (“cobrahead”) to facilitate reattachment of intercostal arteries in descending aortic replacement is described. The technique allows for very prompt restoration of spinal cord blood flow (via a Y attachment from the arterial perfusion circuit). The technique permits a simple, quick, and fully accessible anastomosis, technically more facile than the traditional side-to-side anastomosis. None of 7 patients treated with this technique had early or late paraplegia. Preliminary computed tomographic follow-up scans confirm patency of the cobrahead graft.

Heparin, a mixture of glycosaminoglycans of various sizes, is a potent natural anticoagulant. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) contain only the polymers of smaller size, which appear to possess most of the antithrombotic potential. Pharmacological differences between the two suggest a number of advantages with LMWH therapy. Our objective was to establish the utility of LMWHs in comparison to the current practice of anticoagulation in surgical patients. Articles were obtained through MEDLINE and CURRENT CONTENTS queries. The searches were limited to English and French-language articles and included published overviews containing relevant individual trials. We examined the current literature, consisting of 1,730 published reports from 1979-1998, regarding the biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and clinical applications of LMWH in comparison with current therapy. Studies were selected based on their relevance to LMWHs, the size and methods of trials, and their application to clinical care. Peer-reviewed published data were critically evaluated by independent extraction by several authors. Established rules for levels of evidence were used to objectively evaluate the strength of evidence supporting recommendations in each clinical area. LMWHs provide superior anticoagulation in the prophylaxis of DVT following orthopedic, general, and trauma surgery. Further studies should establish which other patients may benefit from such prophylaxis. Current evidence does not support the use of LMWHs in patients with mechanical heart valves or those on mechanical cardiac support devices; however, it may have a role in the maintenance of vascular graft patency. Further studies should examine the role of LMWHs in transplant atherosclerosis, and in patients requiring long-term anticoagulation at high risk for bleeding with warfarin therapy. The economic implications of LMWH administration remain unclear. On the basis of the information presented in this review, LMWHs are promising new agents in prophylaxis and treatment of both arterial and venous thrombosis. In the near future, LMWHs are likely to supplant UFH and perhaps warfarin in many applications.http://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00547/bibs/8n4p203.html/hea

To determine the accuracy and reliability of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for identification of stenosis and patent distal vessels in patients with peripheral vascular disease.Two-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography and conventional arteriography were performed in 22 patients. Four blinded radiologists independently graded multiple anatomic segments.MR angiography allowed detection of more patent vessel segments than did conventional arteriography. For detection of significant stenosis (75%), MR angiography had 43%-67% sensitivity and 74%-89% specificity. Discrepancies in detection of significant stenosis occurred in 39 segments for the most accurate reviewer; 27 of these discrepancies were avoidable.For detection of significant stenosis, MR angiography has low to moderate sensitivity and specificity; however, observer variability appears to be a major contributing factor to the discrepancies. Greater reviewer experience or techniques for improving reliability may improve the accuracy of MR angiography in peripheral vascular disease.

Despite the increasingly frequent noninvasive detection of central splanchnic venous thrombosis (CSVT), its pathophysiology and clinical significance remain incompletely understood. We reviewed 50 consecutive cases of partially or totally occlusive thrombosis, primarily of the portal (60%) and splenic (40%) veins. Thirty-eight percent of patients had cancer; 26% had portal hypertension or other conditions associated with splanchnic venous stasis; and in 20%, thrombosis developed postoperatively. Angiography (89%), duplex ultrasonography (46%), CT scan (32%), and MRI (16%) were all useful diagnostic modalities. In 58% of cases, CSVT was clinically unsuspected, and 32% of patients were essentially asymptomatic. Variceal hemorrhage occurred in 30% of cases, and abdominal pain was notable in 26%. Whereas 50% of patients died < or = 6 months of diagnosis, only one of these deaths was directly attributable to CSVT; the remainder were secondary to underlying disease unrelated to the CSVT itself. CSVT, increasingly detected but often unsuspected clinically, is characterized by a self-limited and nonlethal course in the majority of patients. Death from associated disease is, however, common. The treatment and prognosis of CSVT should therefore be dictated by its clinical manifestations and the setting in which it occurs, rather than by the venous thrombosis itself.